Damon and Pythias

Inseparable friends. They were two Syracusian youths. Damon,
being condemned to death by Dionysius the tyrant, obtained leave to go
home to arrange his affairs if Pythias became his security. Damon being
delayed, Pythias was led to execution, but his friend arrived in time
to save him. Dionysius was so struck with this honourable friendship
that he pardoned both of them.